6 Tips for a Successful Move to Agile Working

There has been a lot of exciting change at BAFCO recently, with the expansion of our Abu Dhabi Showroom onto two floors, opening of our new HQ manufacturing facility in DIC and of course the new SZR Flagship showroom. The BAFCO staff and management have worked together closely to make this expansion as smooth as possible for our entire team.

We believe strongly in practicing what we preach, and consequently have the following advise for our customers embracing change.

6 Tips for a Successful Move to Agile Working

1. Profile your workforce - Assess how seismic the shift will be for different staff and plan how you will communicate the change.

2. Explain - Communicate what's happening and why, the benefit to the business and individuals

3. Let staff touch and feel it - Involve staff and give them a chance to see the plans sit on the furniture, use the work settings, ask questions and seek reassurance.

4. Support it with training - Don't just expect staff to understand their new environment or new-found autonomy, explain how to get the most from it.

5. Accept its not an overnight change - Give your employees time to adapt.

6. Make sure your workplace is fit for the job - The right tools for the right job, a well-designed workspace will support the shift!

How to Choose an Ergonomic Chair

Office workers spend approximately 7.9 hours a day sitting at their desks. BAFCO already talked about the importance of an Ergonomic Chair but, for total comfort, you need to ensure it fits the individual as best as possible.

Most offices have standard furniture, with uniform desks and chairs, etc, but correct ergonomic set-up is all about adjusting work areas to suit the individual. Firstly, it’s important to recognise that common ‘ergonomic problems’ – e.g. neck, shoulder, elbow or wrist pain - are not usually the result of any specific or significant injury, but usually arise as a result of furniture, particularly chairs, being badly adjusted or particular tasks being performed incorrectly over a long period of time. Similarly, small adjustments to the way your employees sit and work at their desks which will help prevent development of these types of aches and pains.

To get you started, we’ve put together some advice to help you assess whether you’re the chairs in your office are helping, or hindering your employees when it comes to sitting comfortably.

First and foremost, it is essential to have the correct type of chair.

Regardless of finish or design, your chairs needs to have these basic features:

1. The back rest and seat height should be adjustable

2. Well-padded seat

3. 5-point base with castors (providing floor is carpeted);

8 Easy Steps to Set-up your Workplace Ergonomically:

1. Adjust the seat height so that your wrists (when resting on the desktop) are at the same height as, or slightly below, your elbows (i.e., elbows at 90 angle).

2. When seated, your hips should be at right angles.

3. Are your feet flat on the floor? If not, it’s time to get a footrest.

4. Adjust the angle of the backrest: generally it is best to have the backrest at a 90 degree angle to encourage you to sit upright.

5. Adjust the height of the backrest. Modern office chairs have an outward curve in the lower part of the backrest that is designed to mould into the inner curve each of us has in our lower back. If the backrest is too high or too low, this outward curve of the chair will feel as though it is digging in to your back. If the backrest is at the right height, you should be able to slide your hand behind your back and not notice any gaps.

6. Chair backrests come in different heights. Ideally the backrest should come to a height just under your shoulder blades. Those with taller frames may need a chair with a higher backrest than someone who is shorter.

7. When sitting your back should rest against the back rest with your backside right back into the chair. Sitting on the edge of the chair causes greater strain to your back muscles. Don’t slouch forward - this works against your back’s natural curves.

8. Make sure that your chair moves easily over the floor when moving away from the desk. If your floor is carpeted, you may need to look at using a plastic floor mat.